News

ServiceNation: On the ground with the presidential primaries

As we tread deeper into the primary season, ServiceNation has been on the ground in the early primary states, urging support from both candidates and voters on the issue of service. At this point in the election, almost every major candidate has pledged commitment to some aspect of service, whether it be expanding AmeriCorps or the promotion of a service year.

In New Hampshire, ServiceNation’s Managing Director of Movement Building Erin Finucane led dozens of volunteers to spread out across the state and encourage every candidate to commit to service. The results were tangible. As he campaigned, John Kasich (R) referenced national service as a way to address the rising cost of education. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton (D) committed to tripling the number of AmeriCorps positions, and Ted Cruz (R) praised Teach For America, agreeing to champion national service if elected. Both Marco Rubio (R) and Donald Trump (R) applauded the service year, and Rubio even noted that making this an opportunity for all Americans should be a priority. Jeb Bush (R) also agreed to expand service opportunities if elected. Read more here.

As the pool of candidates grows smaller and Super Tuesday draws near, ServiceNation wonders what the next president’s national service legacy will be. Check out their graphic highlighting the accomplishments of past presidents, starting with Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Last week, ServiceNation attended Voices for National Service’s 13th annual Friends of National Service Awards at Union Station in Washington DC. The event provides an opportunity for national service leaders to come together and celebrate the accomplishments and champions of national service. At the event, Voices for National Service and attendees “celebrate and recognize leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who have contributed in building a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility within America,” according to ServiceNation’s blog post on the event.